This morning my desk was being occupied so relishing the chance to delay sitting at my desk on such a lovely day I took the opportunity to go for a wander around the nursery.
What a complete joy!
First stop was the baby garden where I was fortunate to catch the Warreners heading back to FR HQ for lunch. A gentle amble through the box hedges playing hide and seek and chiffering gently to Cat the children carefully manoevered their way down the slope to the gate.
Here the children showed growing confidence as they felt the uneven ground beneath their feet and gauged the slippiness of the mud. All was well and they made it back to the Warren without any scrapes.
My wander then led me to the paddock where sadly I just missed the Forest School session. Obstacles, wooden planks, crates and ropes left evidence that a good time had been enjoyed by all.
Laughter and squeals of delight took me towards the nursery where I was reminded of everything that Forest School has to offer……..
Into the nursery garden two boys were busy on the swings, greeting me with smiles and hellos. Whilst swinging merrily the boys were unknowingly risk assessing and ensuring that they did not swing into anyone. In the corner of the sandpit there was some serious digging action whilst one little boy was clearly engrossed by the transportation schema meticulously carrying trowels of sand from one area to another. There was real purpose here.
In another corner of the garden amongst the children mastering the scooters the building site was in full swing. Safety was being taken seriously here as a hard hat was being worn and wooden blocks were being attentively positioned to build a tower. The children were learning here about balance, forces and working as a team.
Lunch was being cooked in the mud kitchen, this involved the imperative use of a rake and plastic tubing, we all need these in our kitchens! Then inside another course for lunch was being made using playdoh. Here the children were demonstrating their dexterity and creativity whilst using language to describe what they were doing.
Staff were fully engrossed checking planning and lunchtime routines whilst one little boy had taken himself off to have a quiet look at a book.
Into the Burrow it was nappy changing time. One girl was oblivious to her surrounds and was obviously in the, “state of flow,” as she was working on her mark making skills. Meanwhile at the tough tray cornflakes were being attentively spooned into a red cup, and then emptied.
Last stop was the Nest where one baby was busy climbing into and out of the browser box. Thankfully the soft toys were softening the landing. Up and over went the legs time and time again. Physical development at it’s best.
Puzzles, balls and peering into the burrow through the window completed the activities in the Nest whilst Valerie diligently prepared lunch in the kitchen.
Phew all of this in 10 minutes. What a hive of activity at Free Rangers with the children learning through play with staff nurturing and guiding gently alongside.
Jayne